If you have an injury like an ankle fracture, a Colles' fracture, or a wound that needs to be debrided, perhaps you will experience a whirlpool treatment in physical therapy. Whirlpool use in therapy involves placing your injured body part in a whirlpool while a motor agitates the water.
Whirlpools can be warm or cold, depending on the treatment goal. Warm whirlpools are kept at 98-110 degrees F, while cold ones are 50-60 degres F. While your body part is submerged in the whirlpool, you may be required to do gentle range of motion exercises to increase mobility.
If you have an injury and are referred to physical therapy, ask if whirlpool treatment is right for you. Remember that passive treatments like whirlpool or ultrasound should only be one small component of your rehabilitation. Active involvement, exercise, and functional mobility are the key to a succesful physical therapy experience.
Quick Links:
- Learn more: Whirlpool Use in Physical Therapy
